Americans Continue To Push For World Cup Games Time Change

The U.S. men's national team bowed out of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup in the Round of 16, falling to Belgium, 4-1.

The United States of America was hoping to witness a deep run from the USMNT, which last reached the Round of 8 back in 2002. But, despite the Round of 16 loss from the American men, much of the country remains incredibly interested in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There are four games left: the two semifinal games on Tuesday and Wednesday, the third place game on Saturday and the championship game on Sunday.

Interest in the U.S. is still extremely high, too. Close to 20 million people in America watched England's win over Norway in the quarterfinals, while close to 16 million people in the U.S. watched Argentina's win over Switzerland.

But, as this week's games approach, Americans are frustrated. U.S. fans first took to social media to express annoyance with the World Cup semifinals game times.

Now, they're expressing frustration with the third place game time and championship game time.

U.S. fans want World Cup Final in primetime

Sunday at 3 p.m. E.T. isn't a bad time, but it's not ideal for some.

"FIFA probably banked on the USMNT crashing out by now, along with their American ratings, and thus made the game times more conducive to the European market," one fan argued.

"It's dumb from an American viewer perspective," one fan added.

"Hottest time possible," another fan argued.

"The thing i don't get is why do they pick metlife if they're going to be playing mid day in the middle of freaking July. Why not just play it at sofi?! Is 20mil that important? Their cut would only be like 6mil right?" one fan added.

Ultimately, FIFA will be sticking with its schedule, but it's clear that much of America is not thrilled.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM.